Should the conviction rate be increased through effective implementation of new criminal laws? CM Fadnavis

Sangli (Maharashtra), May 23 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also oversees the Home portfolio, urged the police administration on Friday to implement the new criminal laws effectively to boost the conviction rate in Maharashtra. He stated that the police force must exert maximum effort to uphold law and order.

During a crime review meeting, CM Fadnavis emphasized the importance of understanding the reasons behind acquittals and rectifying the underlying issues. "A thorough review should be conducted of police stations with high acquittal rates. We need to eliminate these errors. Additionally, meetings should be convened with government lawyers to discuss these matters. E-summons should be implemented regularly and effectively, as it saves valuable time and resources. Ultimately, we must enhance the conviction rate across all districts," he stated.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the need to return goods seized in property crimes and to conduct thorough surveys and inspections of industrial sectors for drug-related activities and closed chemical companies. He instructed that all relevant police stations in the districts should be notified about these actions.

"Crimes related to the disappearance of women must be diligently followed up until resolution. We should track these cases by police station, noting how many women have returned. A special campaign is necessary in this regard, along with establishing a distinct system for cases under the Motor Vehicle Act," the Chief Minister instructed.

"We need to increase the rate of chargesheet filings and criminal convictions. The speed at which chargesheets are filed should be accelerated with the implementation of the new criminal laws. Cases should proceed even in the absence of the accused, and zero FIRs must transition into regular FIRs," he added.

CM Fadnavis also urged all agencies in the districts to remain vigilant with the upcoming monsoon season, predicting a 117 percent increase in rainfall this year. "Considering the threat posed by the 2019 floods in Sangli and Kolhapur, necessary precautions must be taken, and public awareness should be prioritized," he stated.

Furthermore, he mentioned that to establish an exemplary police administration, the number of police personnel will be aligned with the population. Consequently, 40,000 new police officers have been recruited through the Home Department, and he affirmed his commitment to prioritizing police recruitment in the state.

CM Fadnavis made these remarks during the inauguration of three buildings constructed by the Sangli District Police Force and the groundbreaking ceremony for a residential building.

He also noted that the Police Housing Corporation has allocated funds for police offices and residences statewide. Currently, 94,000 residences are available, and forensic vans are being introduced in every district, highlighting that the Maharashtra Police is a leader in solving cybercrimes.

However, he issued a stern warning that if any police personnel are found engaged in drug trafficking or related activities, they will face immediate dismissal instead of suspension, emphasizing a strict zero tolerance policy towards drugs.